Thursday, January 8, 2009

Canada's coach Louis Mendonca named a new look squad ahead of his side's arrival in Ireland on January 9 for their five game series which begins three days later.

The Canucks arrive on these shores in preparatory mode before the 2009 Pan American Cup which takes place in Bermuda in early February.

“It is a new beginning. With all the retirements, we have seven new faces with a cap average of 25. The players and staff are looking forward to competing after many months of training,” says head coach Louis Mendonca.

“I am confident the team will bring grit, heart, and passion to every match they compete in. It is very important we retain the lessons learnt, to ensure our preparation for the Pan Am Cup in on track.”

Ireland edged out Canada 2-1 in Victoria, British Columbia the last time the side's met in the bronze medal game of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2008. Gene Muller named his squad last month, though there may yet be some late changes based on fitness after the weekend break.